Interface between community intellectual disability and general adult psychiatry services

Abstract

SUMMARYPeople with intellectual disability can have a range of common mental health difficulties that sit at the interface of two psychiatry subspecialties: intellectual disability and general adult psychiatry. Clinical presentations, comorbidities and complexities can affect the setting of boundaries between the two disciplines. This article touches on current concepts, drives for inclusion of people with intellectual disability in mainstream psychiatry services and some of the difficulties at the interface. It focuses on potential solutions for managing this interface between the two subspecialties.